Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties

Bill of Rights

first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. Ensure certain rights and liberties. Anti-Federalist were the strongest supports.

Civil Liberties

protections from improper government action.

First Amendment

freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Second amendment

protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Fourth amendment

protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth amendment

protection against self incrimination (miranda rights), due process, no double jeopardy

Sixth amendment

right to a speedy public trial, right to a lawyer, right to confront witness

Eighth amendment

no cruel and unusual punishment, death penalty allowed but regulated

Fourteenth amendment

imposes the bill of rights on states

when the bill of rights was ratified

1791

speech plus

Talking combined with actions like protesting or marching

Black Lives Matter Focus

Stopping police violence against african americans

Establishment Clause Test

Checking if government action is for a religious or non-religious reason.

Selective Incorporation

Applying parts of the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment, one right at a time.

Fighting Words Standard

Speech that provokes immediate violence and is not protected by the First Amendment.

De Facto Segregation

Segregation by fact or practice, not required by law.

Eminent Domain

Government’s power to take private property for public use with fair compensation.

"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" Policy

Allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military only if they did not openly declare their sexual orientation or engage in homosexual acts.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects the right to believe in and practice any religion.

Libel and Slander

False statements harming someone’s reputation; not a protected speech.

Procedural Liberties

Limits on how the government enforces laws, requiring fair procedures.

Right to Privacy

Not explicitly stated in the Bill of Rights but protected by court interpretations.